MALABO - Algeria clinched a place in the last eight at the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Senegal that eliminated their opponents in their Group C clash yesterday.
MALABO - Algeria clinched a place in the last eight at the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Senegal that eliminated their opponents in their Group C clash yesterday.
A superb late Nabil Bentaleb strike wrapped up the victory after an early Riyad Mahrez goal set the Algerians on their way, leaving Senegal, who needed a draw to advance, heartbroken.
Algeria finished as runners-up level on six points with group winners Ghana who secured a 2-1 victory over South Africa in the other group game with a late goal in Mongomo.
On Sunday, Ghana will play the Group D runners-up in Mongomo while Algeria face the Group D winners in Malabo.
Algeria began the game with Senegal under pressure following their lethargic showing and late defeat by Ghana last Friday.
Nerves were evident in their defence as the Senegalese sought to attack with pace down the flanks in the early stages.
However, it was the Algerians who broke the deadlock when Mahrez was picked out by Madjid Bougherra and he finished calmly underneath goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul. Senegal had several chances to equalise in the first half but failed to find the net.
Sadio Mane's pace and darting runs were of particular concern to Bougherra and his defensive partner Carl Medjani.
Algeria sought to close the game down in the second half and stoppages became increasingly frequent.
M'Bolhi was booked for time-wasting after 76 minutes, although Algeria did go close when Kara Mbodji was forced into a goal-line block.
The defeat sends Senegal out of the tournament following Ghana's victory over SA in Mongomo.